Ah HA. . . . . now I recognize the deal. Here's Richards side of the scam.
The group stopped by to show R their fantastic find. R was very impressed how the mother described how wonderful it was to see the point actually "insitu" then slowly uncovered.
R showed the piece to Dwain Rogers when Dwain came to the ranch....BOTH were shocked to find that it was Dwain that actually had knapped it ! No wonder it was top quality.
It was nicely encrusted with ancient scale. After vigorous scrubbing with various brushes and soap, it would not come off....so they took the piece to the garage..
Using TURPENTINE the scale finally dissolved.
This is preplanning like a bank robbery ! And it IS indeed a robbery.
So he even has his wife lying for him also, that's pretty horrible. How can someone be so stupid and burn that many people. I bet he's scared to even leave his own house.
Sec. 32.22. CRIMINAL SIMULATION. (a) A person commits an offense if, with intent to defraud or harm another:(1) he makes or alters an object, in whole or in part, so that it appears to have value because of age, antiquity, rarity, source, or authorship that it does not have;(2) he possesses an object so made or altered, with intent to sell, pass, or otherwise utter it; or(3) he authenticates or certifies an object so made or altered as genuine or as different from what it is.(b) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
From Texas Penal Code....
Not quite a felony but you may still be able to file charges on this guy, depending on how long ago this happened.
Not quite a felony but you may still be able to file charges on this guy, depending on how long ago this happened.
Good job JCH, being able to quote the exact statue would aid authorities when filing a complaint.
Here's another thought for someone that got burned by a con artist. I found this out at an unhappy flint theft situation many years ago....Justice comes in 2 parts;
1...file a complaint with the police. If they deem it a true crime, they will pursue it on their own. No further action needed from the victim. Hopefully the criminal would be found guilty and fined ( $ to the State ) or just warned.
2...FILE A CIVIL LAWSUIT !
With a negative decision already on the books....file for damages ( $ TO THE VICTIM )
This is America ....make it nominal, like 3 million $ !